EBBW Vale coach Mike Ruddock has put his long-term Wales ambitions on hold in order to honour his current contract with the Eugene Cross Park club.

The Wales A coach applied for the post of assistant forwards coach to Graham Henry at a time when Vale were in danger of losing out on a place in the new proposed Celtic League and when future funding was in jeopardy.

He had been shortlisted for the post, but has now decided to withdraw leaving three in the running for the job, two from overseas and one from Wales.

An announcement could be made by the end of the week. Explaining his change of heart, Ruddock explained: "It was a difficult decision to make because opportunities such as this do not come around all that often, and it may well not come again during my coaching career.

"However, part of the bargain I struck with the new recruits at Ebbw vale was that I would be coaching them.

"If I didn't keep my word I would not only be letting myself down, but also a clutch of talented players who have put their trust in me.

"The time is just not right. The opportunity came out of the blue and just would not sit comfortably with my long-term ambitions.

"There is a huge amount of work to be done at Ebbw Vale. It's the sort of challenge I have always thrived on and I am determined to see it through.

"The club and indeed the whole area craves top class rugby success and I intend to be at the head of it."

Ebbw Vale chief executive Ray Harris commented: "It was a brave decision for Mike to make because he may not get a second chance at that level. We are obviously delighted with the news.

"This decision, plus our status among the Premier clubs next season, now means we can plan ahead with renewed confidence."